Israel steps up strikes in central Beirut, killing 10, Lebanese authorities say

Israel has intensified its military operations in Lebanon, particularly targeting central Beirut and its southern suburbs. According to Lebanese authorities, recent strikes in these areas have resulted in at least 10 fatalities. Earlier attacks on apartment buildings in the Zuqaq al-Blat and Al-Basta neighborhoods led to the deaths of at least six individuals and injuries to 24 others. A significant explosion was reported in central Beirut following an Israeli strike on a building in the Bachoura neighborhood, which occurred shortly after the Israeli military issued an evacuation order for the area. In addition to the strikes in Beirut, an Israeli air strike early on Wednesday targeted a four-storey residential building in Baalbek, eastern Lebanon, resulting in several deaths and injuries. The Israeli military has stated that it is conducting ground operations in southern Lebanon, aiming to target key locations as part of its strategy to expand forward defense zones amid ongoing hostilities with Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese group. The escalation of military actions has prompted the UN refugee agency to declare a "major humanitarian emergency" in West Asia. The situation has raised concerns about further conflict, particularly as Iran has threatened to retaliate against Gulf energy facilities following an Israeli attack on its offshore gasfield. The conflict has created a precarious humanitarian situation in the region, with large-scale evacuation orders issued for southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut.